Salary : $64,776.00 - $106,104.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-01116
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a Sign Bridge Assistant Inspector to support the preservation, safety, and reliability of bridges and related structures across the state highway system. This position will perform sign bridge inspections and assist with federally mandated bridge inspections in accordance with National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), helping ensure critical transportation infrastructure remains safe and serviceable for the traveling public. The successful candidates will conduct inspections in challenging environments such as at heights exceeding 100 feet, within confined spaces, over waterways, on uneven terrain, and in varying weather conditions. This role may also utilize technical rope access methods to inspect bridges and structures. Top candidates will possess technical inspection expertise, a commitment to safety, adaptability in demanding field environments, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
What to Expect

This position, at times, performs works at heights exceeding 100', inside confined space environments, over waterways, outdoors with exposure to inclement weather and frequently traverse uneven terrain. In addition, this position may perform inspection of bridges and structures using technical rope access (technical climbing techniques).
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Sign Bridge Assistant Inspector will:

• Complete in-service structural condition inspections of all types of sign bridge structures and lead structural condition inspections of high mast luminaires.
• Operate equipment necessary to complete inspections such as Under-Bridge Inspection Trucks (UBIT), boats, man lifts, handheld power equipment, hand tools and fall protection equipment.
• Operate computers and computer accessories; utilize a variety of engineering and survey software applications for defect diagnosis and reporting.
• Perform non-destructive ultrasonic, magnetic particle and dye penetrant tests.
• Complete inspection reports in conformance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and WSDOT requirements and procedures.
• Prepare and update the sign bridge repair list and prioritize regional repair needs; maintain a monthly inspection schedule.
• Lead or assist in preliminary work prior to an inspection trip to ensure inspection team readiness.
• Serve as assistant to statewide authority on Sign Bridge and High Mast Luminaire structures.
• Maintain and update the inventory of all sign bridges statewide.
• Perform sign bridge inspection training given to engineers and technicians; perform maintenance and troubleshooting of inspection bucket truck.

Qualifications

This is a Bridge Engineer 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan.
At a minimum (BE1), to be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Infrastructure Inspection Fundamentals: Demonstrates foundational knowledge of bridge, sign structure, or transportation infrastructure inspection principles and safety practices.
• Inspection Procedures and Standards: Ability to learn, interpret, and apply inspection procedures, technical standards, and reporting requirements.

To be considered for this opportunity at the BE3, the following competencies are required:

• Bridge and Structural Inspection Leadership: Experience conducting bridge, sign structure, and high mast luminaire inspections in accordance with FHWA, NBIS, and WSDOT standards and procedures.
• Structural Assessment and Technical Analysis: Experience evaluating structural conditions and determining repair priorities, follow-up actions, and operational recommendations based on inspection findings.
• Program Coordination: Experience coordinating inspection schedules, resources, equipment, traffic control needs, and inspection team activities.
• Advanced Inspection Techniques: Skills to apply judgment in complex inspection environments involving specialized access equipment, nondestructive testing methods, and emergency response situations.
• Technical Leadership and Guidance: Experience providing guidance, instruction, and technical support to inspection staff, maintenance crews, and agency partners.
• Documentation and Records Management: Skill in maintaining inspection records, inventories, repair tracking systems, and technical documentation supporting inspection programs.
• Decision Making and Safety: Ability to exercise independent judgment during field operations to support public safety, worker safety, and infrastructure reliability.

In addition to the competencies above, at any level, the following qualifications are also required:

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others. Contributes to a safe, collaborative, and service-oriented work environment.
• Equipment and Technology Operation: Skills in operating tools, equipment, vehicles, and technology used to support bridge and structural inspection activities.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with team members, maintenance personnel, and supervisors in both field and office environments.
• A valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to obtain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Ability to travel frequently in-state with overnight stays.
• Ability to work in confined-space environments, near and above freeway traffic, at heights, and over waterways.
• Ability to operate tools, equipment, vehicles, and technology used in bridge or structural inspection activities.
• Ability to operate a UBIT at heights greater than 100 feet.
• Ability to operate a work skiff for performing under bridge inspections from the water.
• Ability to climb and descend steep and uneven, brush covered slopes while carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment.
• Ability to complete Bridge Condition Inspection Training.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Transportation Infrastructure: Knowledge of bridge inspection practices, maintenance operations, or transportation infrastructure systems.
• Inspection and Assessment Training: Completion of bridge inspection, structural assessment, or related technical training.
• Nondestructive Testing: Knowledge of nondestructive testing methods, including ultrasonic, magnetic particle, or dye penetrant testing.
• Inspection Access Equipment: Skill in operating inspection access equipment such as UBITs, bucket trucks, boats, personnel lifts, or similar equipment.
• Inspection Technology: Experience using engineering software, inspection databases, digital reporting systems, or related technology tools.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• This position offers limited flexible/hybrid remote work options. Travel to the Tumwater office and statewide overnight travel are expectations of the position and may be required on regular, sporadic, or as needed basis.
• In addition to the salary range listed, for this specific Bridge Engineer 3 position, an additional 10% assignment pay will be applied when either operating an UBIT from the bucket or while serving as back-up operator on the bridge deck for a minimum of four (4) hours per working day.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted July 21, 2026. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
• This is a Bridge Engineer 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. The base salaries for each level are:
  • Bridge Engineer 3: $78,912 - $106,104
  • Bridge Engineer 2: $71,472 - $96,144
  • Bridge Engineer 1: $64,776 - $87,048

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-01116 in the subject line.
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We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

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